Infection is a major concern for people living with myeloma, as it remains a leading cause of illness and can be life-threatening. The disease itself lowers immunity and increases probability of infection and many treatments can increase this risk too. Newer therapies, particularly those targeting immune cells such as CAR T-cell therapies and bispecific antibodies, are highly effective but carry an even greater risk of infection. For this reason, it is essential that patients and carers are aware of these risks, understand the safety profiles of different treatments and consider preventative strategies to protect against infection.
Below, you will find more information and resources about infection and myeloma, ways to reduce infection risk, and signs and symptoms to help detect infection as early as possible.
Q&As on infection and myeloma
These Q&As provide you with a detailed overview of infection risk in myeloma, how you avoid and treat infection.
Infographics
These infographics provide you with a brief summary of the key information patients and their families need to know about infection and myeloma.
Webinar “Myeloma and infection: clinical and lived perspectives”
Watch the recording of the webinar “Myeloma and infection: clinical and lived perspectives”. The webinar features a presentation from Jackie Quinn, Myeloma Clinical Nurse Specialist, Belfast Trust on how myeloma and treatments increase infection risk, covering immunisations, bispecific antibody risks, and preventive medications. You can also hear the story of Mimi Quinn, a myeloma patient from Ireland who shares her personal experience of infections during diagnosis and treatment, discussing how reduced immunity impacts her daily life and career.
